Performance notes

Use basic bluegrass right hand technique:

With a basic bluegrass right hand technique, you'll use your index finger for the notes on the 2nd string, your middle finger for the notes on the 1st string and your thumb for the notes on the 3rd and 4th string.

The exception to this would be if you play a chord on strings 2,3 and 4, you would then use your thumb for the first string, first finger for the third string and your second finger for the second string. You'll find such a chord in the last two measures.

Playing the chords

The dyads* should be plucked, with your thumb and first finger, they are all on the 2nd and 3rd string.

You may choose to either pluck or strum the chords.

If the chord has three or more notes: You can strum the chords or pluck them using your thumb, first and second finger.

If you pluck them, and it's a four note chord, don't play the note on the 4th string. This will make the chord a three note chord you can easily pluck using three fingers.

*A dyad is a pair of pitches sounding together (in other words, a two-note chord)

Measures 1 and 2

Hold down the chords

Measure 3

Left hand: Start with a bar with your third finger, then use fingers one and two for the next chord and fingers two and three for the last dyad to play the passage of thirds

Measure 5

hold down the note on the second fret until is played again

Measure 6 & measure 16

The the singe note on the 5th fret at the end of this measure could be played as an open note on the first string instead if you like.

This can be done with that same note, the single note on the 5th fret, at the end of the 16th measure as well

Measure 7

let the open note on the second string ring for the whole measure

Measure 11

For both Dyads: Let the dyad ring as you play the open note after it

Measure 14

Let the Dyad ring as you play the open notes

Have fun!

Post your questions or thoughts below - see you soon with another Christmas arrangement!

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